Covid-19 Sentry

Contents

• From Preprints
• From Clinical Trials
• From PubMed
• From Patent Search

From Preprints

• A preliminary mindsponge-based analysis of Generation Z’s relationship with technologies -
  In terms of human-machine relationship, Gen Z, those who were born between 1997-2012, is the first generation who becomes productive members of society under so much technological disruption in a short period of time. For example, as a consequence of remote work caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the global industry of emotional AI is forecasted to almost double from $19.5 in 2020 to $37.1 billion by 2026, at the compound annual growth rate of 11.3% in this period, according to Markets and Markets (Madhumita, 2021). Consequently, as Gen Z is poised to become the largest demographics for entry-level jobs (Pichler, Kohli & Granitz, 2021), they are expected to confront with a so much uncertain time of the various effects of emotion auto-tracking practices on mental and physical health, productivity, security, etc., have only gathered research interests in recent years. In this essay, using the mindsponge framework (Vuong and Napier, 2015), I reflect on the relationship of Gen Z with emotional AI technologies.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: A preliminary mindsponge-based analysis of Generation Z’s relationship with technologies
• Detection of bacterial co-infections and prediction of fatal outcomes in COVID-19 patients presenting to the emergency department using a 29 mRNA host response classifier. -

  Objective Clinicians in the emergency department (ED) face challenges in concurrently assessing patients with suspected COVID-19 infection, detecting bacterial co-infection, and determining illness severity since current practices require separate workflows. Here we explore the accuracy of the IMX-BVN-3/IMX-SEV-3 29 mRNA host response classifiers in simultaneously detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection, bacterial co-infections, and predicting clinical severity of COVID-19. Methods 161 patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 (52.2% female, median age 50.0 years, 51% hospitalized, 5.6% deaths) were enrolled at the Stanford Hospital ED. RNA was extracted (2.5 mL whole blood in PAXgene Blood RNA) and 29 host mRNAs in response to the infection were quantified using Nanostring nCounter. Results The IMX-BVN-3 classifier identified SARS-CoV-2 infection in 151 patients with a sensitivity of 93.8%. Six of 10 patients undetected by the classifier had positive COVID tests more than 9 days prior to enrolment and the remaining oscillated between positive and negative results in subsequent tests. The classifier also predicted that 6 (3.7%) patients had a bacterial co-infection. Clinical adjudication confirmed that 5/6 (83.3%) of the patients had bacterial infections, i.e. Clostridioides difficile colitis (n=1), urinary tract infection (n=1), and clinically diagnosed bacterial infections (n=3) for a specificity of 99.4%. 2/101 (2.8%) patients in the IMX-SEV-3 Low and 7/60 (11.7%) in the Moderate severity classifications died within thirty days of enrollment. Conclusions IMX-BVN-3/IMX-SEV-3 classifiers accurately identified patients with COVID-19, bacterial co-infections, and predicted patients risk of death. A point-of-care version of these classifiers, under development, could improve ED patient management including more accurate treatment decisions and optimized resource utilization.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Detection of bacterial co- infections and prediction of fatal outcomes in COVID-19 patients presenting to the emergency department using a 29 mRNA host response classifier.
• Broad neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants by circular mRNA producing VFLIP-X spike in mice -
  Next-generation COVID-19 vaccines are critical due to the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus. The mRNA vaccines mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 were developed using linear transcripts encoding the prefusion-stabilized trimers (S-2P) of the wildtype spike, which have shown a reduced neutralizing activity against the variants of concern B.1.617.2 and B.1.1.529. Recently, a new version of spike trimers namely VFLIP has been suggested to possess native-like glycosylation, as opposed to S-2P. Here, we report that the spike protein VFLIP-X, containing six rationally substituted amino acids (K417N, L452R, T478K, E484K, N501Y and D614G), offers a promising candidate for a next-generation SARS- CoV-2 vaccine. Mice immunized by a circular mRNA (circRNA) vaccine prototype producing VFLIP-X elicited neutralizing antibodies for up to 7 weeks post-boost against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs). In addition, a balance in TH1 and TH2 responses was achieved by the immunization with VFLIP-X. Our results indicate that the VFLIP-X delivered by circRNA confers humoral and cellular immune responses, as well as neutralizing activity against broad SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Broad neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants by circular mRNA producing VFLIP-X spike in mice
• The effect of waning on antibody levels and memory B cell recall following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination -
  As of March 2022, there have been over 450 million reported SARS-CoV-2 cases worldwide, and more than 4 billion people have received their primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine. In order to longitudinally track SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in people after vaccination or infection, a large-scale COVID-19 sero-surveillance progam entitled SPARTA (SeroPrevalence and Respiratory Tract Assessment) was established early in the pandemic. Anti-RBD antibody levels were tracked in more than 1,000 people. There was no significant decrease in antibody levels during the first 14 months after infection in unvaccinated participants, however, significant waning of antibody levels was observed following vaccination, regardless of previous infection status. Moreover, participants who were pre-immune to SARS-CoV-2 prior to vaccination seroconverted to significantly higher antibody levels, and antibodies were maintained at significantly higher levels than in previously infected, unvaccinated participants. This pattern was entirely due to differences in the magnitude of the initial seroconversion event, and the rate of antibody waning was not significantly different based on the pre-immune status. Participants who received a third (booster) dose of an mRNA vaccine not only increased their anti-RBD antibody levels ~14-fold, but they also had ~3 times more anti-RBD antibodies compared to the peak of their antibody levels after receiving their primary vaccine series. In order to ascertain whether the presence of serum antibodies is important for long-term seroprotection, PBMCs from 13 participants who lost all detectable circulating antibodies after vaccination or infection were differentiated into memory cells in vitro. There was a significant recall of memory B cells in the absence of serum antibodies in 70% of the vaccinated participants, but not in any of the infected participants. Therefore, there is a strong connection between anti-RBD antibody levels and the effectiveness of memory B cell recall.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: The effect of waning on antibody levels and memory B cell recall following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination
• Long-term T cell perturbations and waning antibody levels in individuals needing hospitalization for COVID-19 -
  COVID-19 is being extensively studied, and much remains unknown regarding the long-term consequences of the disease on immune cells. The different arms of the immune system are interlinked, with humoral responses and the production of high-affinity antibodies being largely dependent on T cell immunity. Here, we longitudinally explored the effect COVID-19 has on T cell populations and the virus-specific T cells, as well as neutralizing antibody responses, for 6-7 months following hospitalization. The CD8+ TEMRA and exhausted CD57+CD8+ T cells were markedly affected with elevated levels that lasted long into convalescence. Further, markers associated with T-cell activation were upregulated at the inclusion, and in the case of CD69+CD4+ T cells this lasted all through the study duration. The levels of T cells expressing negative immune checkpoint molecules were increased in COVID-19 patients and sustained for a prolonged duration following recovery. Within 2-3 weeks after symptom onset, all COVID-19 patients developed anti- nucleocapsid IgG and spike-neutralizing IgG as well as SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses. In addition, we found alterations in follicular T helper (TFH) cell populations, such as enhanced TFH-TH2 following recovery from COVID-19. Our study revealed significant and long-term alterations in T cell populations and key events associated with COVID-19 pathogenesis.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Long-term T cell perturbations and waning antibody levels in individuals needing hospitalization for COVID-19
• Blood group O and post-COVID-19 syndrome -

  Objective The ABO blood group system modulates the inflammatory response and has been involved in COVID-19. O-group protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection, but there are no data regarding post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). Our aim was to assess this possible association. Subjects and methods Case-control study in a community setting, with subjects who had experienced mild COVID-19. Cases were PCS+, controls were PCS-, and the exposure variable, O-group. Epidemiological data (age, sex, BMI, smoking, comorbidities), laboratory parameters (inflammatory markers, IgG antibodies, blood type) and clinical data were collected. Composite inflammatory indices were developed. Multivariate analyses were performed. Results We analyzed 121 subjects (56.2% women), mean age 45.7 (16) years. Blood group frequencies were 43.3%, 7.7%, 5.7%, and 43.3% for A, B, AB and O, respectively. Thirty-six patients were PCS+. There were no significant differences between cases and controls. Compared to non-O, a higher prevalence of PCS (p=0.036), number of symptoms (p=0.017) and myalgia (p=0.030) were noted in O-group. Concerning inflammatory markers, PCS+ and PCS- showed no differences in A, B, and AB groups. In contrast, O-group PCS+ patients had significantly higher lymphocyte count, higher levels of fibrinogen and CRP, and higher percentages of 3 composite indices, than PCS- subjects. The O-group showed a 4-fold increased risk of PCS compared to non-O (adjusted OR=4.20 [95%CI, 1.2-14]; p=0.023). Conclusion An increased risk of PCS has shown to be associated with O-group, after controlling for confounders. In O-group subjects with PCS, slightly albeit significant, raised levels of fibrinogen, CRP, and lymphocyte count, have been demonstrated.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Blood group O and post- COVID-19 syndrome
• Spontaneous myocarditis in mice predisposed to autoimmune disease: Including Vaccination-induced onset -
  Non-obese diabetic (NOD)/ShiLtJ mice, like biobreeding rats, are used as an animal model for type 1 diabetes. Diabetes develops in NOD mice as a result of insulitis, a leukocytic infiltrate of the pancreatic islets. The onset of diabetes is associated with a moderate glycosuria and a non-fasting hyperglycemia. Previously, in non-obese diabetic (NOD)/ShiLtJ mice spontaneously developing type 1 diabetes, the possible involvement of decreased expression of LMP2/b1i, an immunoproteasome b subunit, and associated decreased expression of NF-kB1 (also called as p50) in the development of type 1 diabetes was argued between our research team and other research groups. In response to these arguments, we created NOD mice in which NF-kB1 expression is not consistently observed. Unexpectedly, most NOD Nfkb1 homozygote mice were found to die by the 8th week of age due to the development of severe myocarditis. Furthermore, in all NOD Nfkb1 heterozygote mice, the onset of Insulitis was observed from 4 months of age. In addition, in NOD Nfkb1 heterozygote mice, an increase in cTnT due to vaccination with influenza or HBV vaccine was observed without gender difference. Now, we found a direct involvement of decreased expression of NF-kB1 in the development of autoimmune diseases in NOD/ShiLtJ mice. Therefore, we would like to introduce new research results on autoimmune diseases, including findings on important risk factors for the development of myocarditis observed after vaccination with mRNA- based COVID-19 vaccine.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Spontaneous myocarditis in mice predisposed to autoimmune disease: Including Vaccination-induced onset
• Predicting self-harm and suicide ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia: A nationwide survey report -
  Background: It is estimated that 77.0% of suicide cases occurred in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), which would increase because of the COVID-19 pandemic and socioeconomic inequity. However, there is lack of reports on this topic from LMICs, especially during the pandemic. Therefore, this nationwide study aimed to explore self-harm and suicide ideation and its predictive variables during the pandemic in Indonesia as a MIC with the highest COVID-19 fatality rate in Asia. Methods: Non-random sampling online survey was conducted nationwide between 25 May and 16 June

2021. The collected data were demographic variables (i.e. age group), loneliness from social isolation using The UCLA Loneliness Scale Six Items (ULS-6), and self-harm and suicide ideation using item 9 of The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Predictive model was analyzed using hierarchical logistic regression. Results: A total of 5,211 participants from all 34 provinces in Indonesia completed the survey. Among 39.3% of them reported self-harm and suicide ideation during the pandemic, which significantly correlated with loneliness. The predictive variables associated with the likelihood of self-harm and suicide ideation were age, residence, job, religion, sex-gender, sexual orientation, HIV status, disability status, and loneliness. The predictive model showed a significant goodness-of-fit to the observed data (x2(15) = 1,803.46, p<.001), RN2 = .40. Conclusion: Four out of 10 Indonesians experienced self-harm and suicide ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly people within the age range of 18-24, living in the Java Island, unemployed/student/retired and freelancer, women, members of minority and marginalized communities, and experience of loneliness during the pandemic.
      🖺 Full Text HTML: Predicting self-harm and suicide ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia: A nationwide survey report

• COVID-19 Prediction using Genomic Footprint of SARS-CoV-2 in Air, Surface Swab and Wastewater -

  Importance - Genomic footprints of pathogens shed by infected individuals can be traced in environmental samples, which can serve as a noninvasive method for infectious disease surveillance. Objective - To determine the efficacy of predicting COVID-19 cases using the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) found in air, surface swabs and wastewater samples. Design - A prospective experimental design utilizing randomized surveillance of air, surface, and wastewater samples was performed from March to May 2021. SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples was concentrated with electronegative filtration and quantified using Volcano 2nd Generation-qPCR. Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine the associations between time-lagged SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples and clinically diagnosed COVID-19 cases. Setting - This study was conducted in a residential dormitory at the University of Miami, Coral Gables campus. Participants - Random air and surface swab samples were collected in high-traffic areas of a college dormitory, housing roughly 500 students, with the number of individuals contributing at any point in time. Wastewater was collected from the dormitory where individuals from the resident population as well as any visitors of the building contributed to the sewer system. Students from the dormitory were randomly screened for COVID-19 for 2-3 days / week. Main Outcome - SARS-CoV-2 detection in environmental samples was an indicator of the presence of local COVID-19 cases and a 2-day lead indicator for a potential outbreak at the dormitory building scale. The hypothesis being tested was formulated prior to the data collection. Results - A total of 445 air, surface swab and wastewater samples were collected, and these data were aggregated by day. SARS-CoV-2 genomic footprints were detected in air, surface swab and wastewater samples on 52 (63.4%), 40 (50.0%) and 57 (68.6%) days, respectively, during the study period. On 19 (24%) of 78 days SARS-CoV-2 was detected in all three sample types. Clinically diagnosed COVID-19 cases were reported on 11 days during the study period and SARS-CoV-2 was also detected two days before the case diagnosis on all 11 (100%), 9 (81.8%) and 8 (72.7%) days in air, surface swab and wastewater samples, respectively. Conclusion - Proactive environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 or other pathogens in a community/public setting has potential to guide targeted measures to contain and/or mitigate infectious disease outbreaks.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: COVID-19 Prediction using Genomic Footprint of SARS-CoV-2 in Air, Surface Swab and Wastewater
• Conditions of Confinement in U.S. Carceral Facilities during COVID-19: Individuals Speak: Incarcerated during the COVID-19 Epidemic (INSIDE) -

  Objectives: We aimed to describe conditions of confinement among people incarcerated in the United States during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and assess the feasibility of a community science data collection approach. Methods: We developed a web-based survey with community partners to collect information on confinement conditions (COVID-19 safety, basic needs, support). Formerly incarcerated adults released after March 1, 2020, or non- incarcerated adults in communication with an incarcerated person (proxy) were recruited through social media from July 25, 2020, through March 27, 2021. Descriptive statistics were estimated in aggregate and separately by proxy or formerly incarcerated status. Additionally, we compared responses between proxy and formerly incarcerated respondents using chi- square or Fisher9s exact tests as appropriate based on alpha=0.05. Results: Of 378 responses, 94% were by proxy, and 76% reflected state prison conditions. Participants reported inability to physically distance (>6ft at all times) (92%), inadequate access to soap (89%), water (46%), toilet paper (49%) and showers (68%). Among people who received mental healthcare before the pandemic, 75% reported reduced care. We found that responses were consistent between formerly incarcerated people and proxy-respondents. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a community-science approach to data collection is feasible. Based on these findings, COVID-19 safety and basic needs were not sufficiently addressed within some carceral settings. Thus, we recommend the lived experiences of incarcerated individuals should be included to make informed and equitable policy decisions.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Conditions of Confinement in U.S. Carceral Facilities during COVID-19: Individuals Speak: Incarcerated during the COVID-19 Epidemic (INSIDE)
• The potential impact of Omicron and future variants of concern on SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics and public health burden: a modelling study -

  SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) was classified as a variant of concern (VOC) on November 26, 2021. The infectivity, severity, and immune evasion properties of Omicron relative to the Delta variant would determine 1) the probability of dominant future transmission, and 2) the impact on disease burden. Here we apply individual-based transmission model OpenCOVID to identify thresholds for Omicron9s or any VOC9s potential future dominance, impact on health, and risk to health systems; and identify for which combinations of viral properties, current interventions would be sufficient to control transmission. We show that, with first-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and limited physical distancing in place, the threshold for Omicron9s future dominance was primarily be driven by its degree of infectivity. However, we identified that a VOC9s potential dominance will not necessarily lead to increased public health burden. Expanded vaccination, that includes a third-dose for adults and child vaccination strategies, was projected to have the biggest public health benefit for a highly infective, highly severe VOC with low immune evasion capacity. However, a highly immune evading variant that becomes dominant would likely require alternative measures for control, such as strengthened physical distancing measures, novel treatments, and second-generation vaccines. These findings provide quantitative guidance to decision-makers at a critical time while Omicron9s properties are being assessed and preparedness for new VOC9s is eminent. We emphasize the importance of both genomic and population epidemiological surveillance.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: The potential impact of Omicron and future variants of concern on SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics and public health burden: a modelling study
• Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 during the first year of the pandemic in the Bronx enabled clinical and epidemiological inference -

  The Bronx was an early epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA. We conducted temporal genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 genomes across the Bronx from March-October 2020. Although the local structure of SARS-CoV-2 lineages mirrored those of New York City and New York State, temporal sampling revealed a dynamic and changing landscape of SARS- CoV-2 genomic diversity. Mapping the trajectories of variants, we found that while some became “endemic” to the Bronx, other, novel variants rose in prevalence in the late summer/early fall. Geographically resolved genomes enabled us to distinguish between cases of reinfection and persistent infection in two pediatric patients. We propose that limited, targeted, temporal genomic surveillance has clinical and epidemiological utility in managing the ongoing COVID pandemic.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 during the first year of the pandemic in the Bronx enabled clinical and epidemiological inference
• Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 neutralizing activity elicited by a comprehensive panel of human vaccines -
  The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern comprises three sublineages designated BA.1, BA.2, and BA.3, with BA.2 steadily replacing the globally dominant BA.1. We show that the large number of BA.1 and BA.2 spike mutations severely dampen plasma neutralizing activity elicited by infection or seven clinical vaccines, with cross-neutralization of BA.2 being consistently more potent than that of BA.1, independent of the vaccine platform and number of doses. Although mRNA vaccines induced the greatest magnitude of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 plasma neutralizing activity, administration of a booster based on the Wuhan-Hu-1 spike sequence markedly increased neutralizing antibody titers and breadth against BA.1 and BA.2 across all vaccines evaluated. Our data suggest that although BA.1 and BA.2 evade polyclonal neutralizing antibody responses, current vaccine boosting regimens may provide sufficient protection against Omicron-induced disease.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 neutralizing activity elicited by a comprehensive panel of human vaccines
• Allosteric binders of ACE2 are promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents -
  The COVID-19 pandemic has had enormous health, economic, and social consequences. Vaccines have been successful in reducing rates of infection and hospitalization, but there is still a need for an acute treatment for the disease. We investigate whether compounds that bind the human ACE2 protein can interrupt SARS-CoV-2 replication without damaging ACE2’s natural enzymatic function. Initial compounds were screened for binding to ACE2 but little interruption of ACE2 enzymatic activity. This set of compounds was extended by application of quantitative structure-activity analysis, which resulted in 512 virtual hits for further confirmatory screening. A subsequent SARS-CoV-2 replication assay revealed that five of these compounds inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in human cells. Further effort is required to completely deter-mine the antiviral mechanism of these compounds, but they serve as a strong starting point for both development of acute treatments for COVID-19 and research into the mechanism of infection.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Allosteric binders of ACE2 are promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents
• Targeting an evolutionarily conserved “E-L-L” motif in the spike protein to develop a small molecule fusion inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 -
  As newer variants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to pose major threats to global human health and economy, identifying novel druggable antiviral targets is the key towards sustenance. Here, we identify an evolutionary conserved E-L-L motif present within the HR2 domain of all human and non-human coronavirus spike (S) proteins that play a crucial role in stabilizing the post-fusion six-helix bundle (6-HB) structure and thus, fusion-mediated viral entry. Mutations within this motif reduce the fusogenicity of the S protein without affecting its stability or membrane localization. We found that posaconazole, an FDA-approved drug, binds to this E-L-L motif resulting in effective inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cells. While posaconazole exhibits high efficacy towards blocking S protein-mediated viral entry, mutations within the E-L-L motif rendered the protein completely resistant to the drug, establishing its specificity towards this motif. Our data demonstrate that posaconazole restricts early stages of infection through specific inhibition of membrane fusion and viral genome release into the host cell and is equally effective towards all major variants of concerns of SARS-CoV-2 including beta, kappa, delta, and omicron. Together, we show that this conserved essential E-L-L motif is an ideal target for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2.

From Clinical Trials

• Effect of Bronchipret on Antiviral Immune Response in Patients With Mild COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Drug: Bronchipret
  Sponsors:   Dr. Frank Behrens;   Bionorica SE
  Recruiting

• Evaluating Public Health Interventions to Improve COVID-19 Testing Among Underserved Populations - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Behavioral: Public Health Intervention Package
  Sponsors:   Kathleen Fairfield;   MaineHealth
  Not yet recruiting

• COVID-19 Serologic Strategies for Skilled Nursing Facilities - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Other: Cohorting
  Sponsors:   NYU Langone Health;   Brown University;   National Institute on Aging (NIA)
  Recruiting

• Safety, Tolerability and Immunogenicity of Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine Betuvax-CoV-2 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: Betuvax-CoV-2;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Human Stem Cell Institute, Russia;   Betuvax LLC;   CEG BIO LLC
  Active, not recruiting

• A Community-based Study of Spikogen®, a Protein-subunit Covid-19 Vaccine - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Biological: Advax-CpG55.2 adjuvanted recombinant spike protein
  Sponsors:   Professor Nikolai Petrovsky;   Australian Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Institute;   Tasmanian Eye Institute
  Not yet recruiting

• COVID-19 Volumetric Quantification on Computer Tomography Using Computer Aided Diagnostics - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: CAD analysis
  Sponsors:  
  Bogdan Bercean;   Pius Brinzeu Timisoara County Emergency Hospital
  Not yet recruiting

• Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Impacts of COVID-19 on Young Adults - Condition:   Post COVID-19
  Intervention:   Other: Evaluation of Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Impacts of COVID-19 on Young Adults
  Sponsor:   Istanbul Arel University
  Not yet recruiting

• Early High-Titre Convalescent Plasma in Clinically Vulnerable Individuals With Mild COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: COVID-19 convalescent and vaccinated plasma;   Other: Current standard of care
  Sponsors:   Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besancon;   Deutsches Rotes Kreuz DRK-Blutspendedienst Baden-Wurttemberg-Hessen;   NHS Blood and Transplant
  Not yet recruiting

• Efficacy of TCM Capsules Lian Hua Qing Wen Jiao Nang in Mild COVID-19 Patients - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Other: TCM intervention;   Other: Placebo intervention
  Sponsor:   Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution
  Not yet recruiting

• Trial to Study the Efficacy and Safety of BEJO Red Ginger in COVID-19 Patients With Mild Symptoms - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Dietary Supplement: BEJO Red Ginger Extract;   Other: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Research Center for Chemistry, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia;   National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia;   RSDC Wisma Atlet;   PT. Bintang Toedjoe
  Recruiting

• Safety and Pharmacokinetics of FBR-002 for the Treatment of Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 in Need of Supplemental Oxygen and at Risk of Severe Outcome - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: FBR-002;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:  
  Fab’entech
  Not yet recruiting

• **Safety and Immune Response of Adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Beta Variant RBD Recombinant Protein (DoCo-Pro-RBD-1

• MF59®) and mRNA (MIPSCo-mRNA-RBD-1) Vaccines in Healthy Adults** - Condition:   SARS-CoV-2
  Interventions:   Biological: Adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 beta variant RBD recombinant protein vaccine (DoCo-Pro-RBD-1 + MF59);   Biological: SARS-CoV-2 beta variant RBD mRNA vaccine;   Other: Normal Saline
  Sponsors:   University of Melbourne;   Southern Star Research
  Not yet recruiting

• PROSPECTIVE OPEN LABEL CLINICAL TRIAL TO ADMINISTER A BOOSTER DOSE OF PFIZER/BIONTECH OR MODERNA COVID-19 VACCINE IN HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS - Conditions:   SARS CoV 2 Infection;   COVID-19
  Interventions:  
  Biological: Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2);   Biological: Moderna
  Sponsor:  
  DHR Health Institute for Research and Development
  Recruiting

• Self-Management Interventions for Long-COVID - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Behavioral: Education and Strategies Intervention;   Behavioral: Mindfulness Skills Intervention
  Sponsors:   Toronto Rehabilitation Institute;   Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR);   University Health Network, Toronto
  Recruiting

• COVID-19 Hyper Coagulability Care by LLLT - Condition:   COVID-19 Pneumonia
  Interventions:   Radiation: Low level laser Therapy;   Other: Circulatory exercises
  Sponsor:   Cairo University
  Recruiting

From PubMed

• Type I interferon transcriptional network regulates expression of coinhibitory receptors in human T cells - Although inhibition of T cell coinhibitory receptors has revolutionized cancer therapy, the mechanisms governing their expression on human T cells have not been elucidated. In the present study, we show that type 1 interferon (IFN-I) regulates coinhibitory receptor expression on human T cells, inducing PD-1/TIM-3/LAG-3 while inhibiting TIGIT expression. High-temporal-resolution mRNA profiling of IFN-I responses established the dynamic regulatory networks uncovering three temporal transcriptional…

• RNA G-quadruplex in TMPRSS2 reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection - Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection continues to have devastating consequences worldwide. Recently, great efforts have been made to identify SARS-CoV-2 host factors, but the regulatory mechanisms of these host molecules, as well as the virus per se, remain elusive. Here we report a role of RNA G-quadruplex (RG4) in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Combining bioinformatics, biochemical and biophysical assays, we demonstrate the presence of RG4s in both SARS-CoV-2 genome…

• Ferulic acid and berberine, via Sirt1 and AMPK, may act as cell cleansing promoters of healthy longevity - Ferulic acid, a bacterial metabolite of anthocyanins, seems likely to be a primary mediator of the health benefits associated with anthocyanin-rich diets, and has long been employed in Chinese cardiovascular medicine. In rodent studies, it has exerted wide-ranging antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, the molecular basis of which remains rather obscure. However, recent studies indicate that physiologically relevant concentrations of ferulic acid can boost expression of Sirt1 at mRNA and…

• Impact of COVID-19 on college student diet quality and physical activity - Background: The COVID-19 pandemic can cause in increase in stress experienced by college students and consequently, potentially adversely affect their health behaviours. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate how COVID-19 impacted college-attending young adults diet quality and physical activity. Methods: Students attending an Appalachian university in spring 2020 participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were surveyed on their eating habits, diet quality, and physical…

• Overview of clinical outcome and therapeutic effectiveness of Favipiravir in patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care unit, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - CONCLUSION: According to the study’s results revealing FVP is not superior to other antivirals, patients who received Favipiravir presented with more severe symptoms, more comorbidities, more complications, and is not effective in controlling the cytokine storm which negatively impact the efficacy of Favipiravir. FVP therapy had no influence on ICU and hospital length of stay in comparison with the control group as well as in the overall mortality rate among the FVP group was not statistically…

• Jumping From Fragment To Drug Via Smart Scaffolds - A focused drug repurposing approach is described where an FDA-approved drug is rationally selected for biological testing based on structural similarities to a fragment compound found to bind a target protein by an NMR screen. The approach is demonstrated by first screening a curated fragment library using 19F NMR to discover a quality binder to ACE2, the human receptor required for entry and infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Based on this binder, a highly related scaffold was derived and used…

• Intersected discrimination through the lens of COVID-19: The case example of Christian minority in Iraq - Compelling evidence proved that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) disproportionately affects minorities. The goal of the present study was to explore the effects of intersected discrimination and discrimination types on COVID-19, mental health, and cognition. A sample of 542 Iraqis, 55.7% females, age ranged from 18 to 73, with (M = 31.16, SD = 9.77). 48.7% were Muslims, and 51.3% were Christians (N = 278). We used measures for COVID-19 stressors, executive functions, intersected discrimination…

• The Human Liver-Expressed Lectin CD302 Restricts Hepatitis C Virus Infection - C-type lectin domain-containing proteins (CTLDcps) shape host responses to pathogens and infectious disease outcomes. Previously, we identified the murine CTLDcp Cd302 as restriction factor, limiting hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection of murine hepatocytes. In this study, we investigated in detail the human orthologue’s ability to restrict HCV infection in human liver cells. CD302 overexpression in Huh-7.5 cells potently inhibited infection of diverse HCV chimeras representing seven genotypes….

• Flipped inflammatory time and the role of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2: optimising tocilizumab against COVID-19 - No abstract

• Blocking viral infections with lysine-based polymeric nanostructures: a critical review - The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has accelerated the search for innovative antivirals with possibly broad-spectrum efficacy. One of the possible strategies is to inhibit the replication of the virus by preventing or limiting its entry into the cells. Nanomaterials derived from lysine, an essential amino acid capable of forming homopeptides of different shapes and sizes through thermal polymerization, are an exciting antiviral option. In this review, we have…

• Peramivir, an Anti-Influenza Virus Drug, Exhibits Potential Anti-Cytokine Storm Effects - Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been declared a public health emergency of international concerns. Cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) is a critical clinical symptom of severe COVID-19 patients, and the macrophage is recognized as the direct host cell of SARS-CoV-2 and potential drivers of CSS. In the present study, peramivir was identified to reduce TNF-α by partly intervention of NF-κB activity in LPS-induced macrophage…

• Allosteric Site of ACE-2 as a Drug Target for COVID-19 - The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a significant impact on healthcare systems and our lives. Vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) provide protection against SARS-CoV-2. However, mutations in the viral genome are common, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing vaccines for SARS-CoV-2. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 uses angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) as a gateway to enter host cells. Therefore, the…

• Case Report: Tackling Complement Hyperactivation With Eculizumab in Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Triggered by COVID-19 - Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a rare life-threatening disease of unrestrained complement system dysregulation, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure in genetically predisposed individuals. In this report, we describe two cases of SARS-CoV-2-associated HUS treated with eculizumab, a C5-blocking monoclonal antibody reported to be remarkably effective in the treatment of HUS. Detailed biochemical and genetic complement system analysis is reported, and the…

• Coagulation factors directly cleave SARS-CoV-2 spike and enhance viral entry - Coagulopathy is a significant aspect of morbidity in COVID-19 patients. The clotting cascade is propagated by a series of proteases, including factor Xa and thrombin. While certain host proteases, including TMPRSS2 and furin, are known to be important for cleavage activation of SARS-CoV-2 spike to promote viral entry in the respiratory tract, other proteases may also contribute. Using biochemical and cell-based assays, we demonstrate that factor Xa and thrombin can also directly cleave…

• Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Infection through Blocking Membrane Fusion - Most of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) targeted the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. However, mutations at RBD sequences found in the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants greatly reduced the effectiveness of nAbs. Here we showed that four nAbs, S2-4D, S2-5D, S2-8D, and S2-4A, which recognized a conserved epitope in the S2 subunit of the S protein, can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection through blocking the S protein-mediated membrane fusion. Notably, these four…

From Patent Search

• MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUE TO ANALYZE THE WORK PRESSURE OF PARAMEDICAL STAFF DURING COVID 19 - Machine learning technique to analyse the work pressure of paramedical staff during covid 19 is the proposed invention that focuses on identifying the stress levels of paramedical staff. The invention focuses on analysing the level of stress that is induced on the paramedical staff especially during pandemic. - link

• CBD Covid 19 Protection - - link

• METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING IMPROVED GENERALIZED FUZZY PEER GROUP WITH MODIFIED TRILATERAL FILTER TO REMOVE MIXED IMPULSE AND ADAPTIVE WHITE GAUSSIAN NOISE FROM COLOR IMAGES - ABSTRACTMETHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING IMPROVED GENERALIZED FUZZY PEER GROUP WITH MODIFIED TRILATERAL FILTER TO REMOVE MIXED IMPULSE AND ADAPTIVE WHITE GAUSSIAN NOISE FROM COLOR IMAGESThe present invention provides a new approach is proposed that includes fuzzy-based approach and similarity function for filtering the mixed noise. In a peer group, the similarity function was adaptive to edge information and local noise level, which was utilized for detecting the similarity among pixels. In addition, a new filtering method Modified Trilateral Filter (MTF) with Improved Generalized Fuzzy Peer Group (IGFPG) is proposed to remove mixed impulse and Adaptive White Gaussian Noise from Color Images. The modified trilateral filter includes Kikuchi algorithm and loopy belief propagation to solve the inference issues on the basis of passing local message. In this research work, the images were collected from KODAK dataset and a few real time multimedia images like Lena were also used for testing the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. - link

• A STUDY ON MENTAL HEALTH, STRESS AND ANXIETY AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 - SARS-Cov-2 virus causes an infectious disease coronavirus(COVID-19).The Students life is made harder by COVID-19.The human reaction that happens normally to everyone through physical or emotional tension is stress. Feeling of angry, nervous and frustration caused through any thought or events leads to stress. As college closures and cancelled events, students are missing out on some of the biggest moments of their young lives as well as everyday moments like chatting with friend, participating in class and cultural programme. For students facing life changes due to the outbreak are feeling anxious, isolated and disappointed which lead them to feel all alone. We like to take the help of expert adolescent psychologist to find out the techniques to practice self-care and look after their mental health. We would like to find out whether techniques used reduce the anxiety and stress among Engineering Students. - link

• A METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF COVID-19 INFECTIONS WITH PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE - - link

• A CENTRAL TRANSACTION AUTHENTIC SYSTEM FOR OTP VERIFICATION - The present invention relates to a central transaction authentic system (100) for OTP verification. The system (100) comprises one or more user display units (102), one or more financial units (104), an account deposit unit (106), an OTP authentication unit (108) and a service server unit (110). The central transaction authentic system (100) for OTP verification work as Anti-money laundering measure. The system (100) also helpful for minimizing rate of cybercrime. The central transaction authentic system (100) for OTP verification that can neutralize digital financial fraud. The present invention provides a central transaction authentic system (100) for OTP verification that can monitor and analyze every transaction and customer interaction across its customer base for suspicious and potentially criminal activity. - link

• FORMULATIONS AND METHOD FOR PREPARATION OF HERBAL MEDICATED TRANSPARENT SOAP - ABSTRACTFORMULATIONS AND METHOD FOR PREPARATION OF HERBAL MEDICATED TRANSPARENT SOAPThe present invention provides formulations for herbal medicated transparent soaps and method of preparation of the same. Transparent soaps are prepared by saponification of mixture of non-edible oils to get the desired consistency and cleaning action. Nonvolatile alcohols and other transparency promoters are used to get good transparency and binding properties. Herbal extracts of different herbs are added to get medicated properties. - link

• SOCIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR MOBILE ROBOTS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TECHNOLOGY - The emergency department (ED) is a safety-critical environment in which healthcare workers (HCWs) are overburdened, overworked, and have limited resources, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. One way to address this problem is to explore the use of robots that can support clinical teams, e.g., to deliver materials or restock supplies. However, due to EDs being overcrowded, and the cognitive overload HCWs experience, robots need to understand various levels of patient acuity so they avoid disrupting care delivery. In this invention, we introduce the Safety-Critical Deep Q-Network (SafeDQN) system, a new acuity-aware navigation system for mobile robots. SafeDQN is based on two insights about care in EDs: high-acuity patients tend to have more HCWs in attendance and those HCWs tend to move more quickly. We compared SafeDQN to three classic navigation methods, and show that it generates the safest, quickest path for mobile robots when navigating in a simulated ED environment. We hope this work encourages future exploration of social robots that work in safety-critical, human-centered environments, and ultimately help to improve patient outcomes and save lives. Figure 1. - link

• A MACHINE LEARNING BASED SYSTEM FOR DETECTING OMICRON VARIANT FROM A GENOME SEQUENCE AND METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses a machine learning based system for detecting omicron variant from a genome sequence and method thereof. The system includes, but not limited to, a processing unit having a memory unit and a machine learning interface embedded on it for validating a variant-induced changes in the one or more condition-specific cell variables are combined to output a single numerical variant score for each of the one or more variants, the variant score computed by one of outputting the score for a fixed condition; summing the variant-induced changes across conditions; computing the maximum of the absolute variant-induced changes across conditions. - link

• A SYSTEM BASED ON DEEP LEARNING FOR ANALYZING DELAYED ENHANCEMENT MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING TO IDENTIFY COVID 19 AND METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses a system based on deep learning for analyzing delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging to identify COVID 19 and method thereof. The method and system include, but not limited to, a processing unit adapted to process the data based on deep learning data modelling in the magnetic resonance imaging associated with the digital image scanning system for diagnosis COVID 19 with the spatial resolution that each frame is deposited is 256 * 256, and being creating that level and vertical resolution respectively are 256 pixels (pixel), the read/write address that the read/write address of each image element, which is controlled by processing unit and forms circuit and finishes; And the data that will be stored in memory are input to a real-time microcontroller, it is characterized in that: analyze and compare by the Multi-source Information Fusion analytical system by using the real-time microcontroller to deliver the D/A changer then, digital signal is become analogue signal output. - link